A Morning Routine That’s Actually Doable.
Morning Routines - what’s the hype?
Are you with me on this one? What’s the hype about morning routines? I will admit to you right now that these aren’t my jam. I only practice what I am about to preach about 50% of the time, but it DOES make a difference. So I am sharing it for me as much as you.
I am a reader, a book devourer if you may and I read whatever I can. I’ve read numerous books, articles, etc on the 5am Club, Adding 10 More Minutes to Your Morning, How To Wake Up Right and all those things but I just could never get to it! It could be my morning routine used to be quite insane when I was a morning show radio dj for 20 years, or it could also be that I don’t like to be told what to do in the mornings (or any time of day). So committing to a routine felt icky. (Hence the current 50%).
HOWEVER, there are some really cool little things that you can do to start your day and feel like you’re ready to make it all happen. Instead of that pulling desire to hit the snooze button (my favourite) and taking “five more minutes.” (my catch phrase).
Together, we can start to add these little habits, rituals, whatever you want to call them into our mornings.
Open the curtain - just a smidge. Let some natural light into your life. A peek-a-boo of nature to greet you into this new day. You don’t have to go crazy and fire open the curtains and break into a Snow White themed anthem (unless you want to). Just add a little light.
Don’t check your phone first thing. (this is such a hard one) Whatever been sent to you in the night, is posted on someone’s social media or today’s tasks can wait. Flip it over or better yet have it not in your bedroom at all. (still working on this as I am always of the mindset -what if there’s an emergency call?) Maybe we store that outside the door in the hall…(we will circle back to this in a future blog).
A mini-morning meditation. You know I was going to add this…so if these are on your phone - you have “permission” to open it here…but ONLY if you can keep to the task. If it’s not something you can truly do…add the meditation in at another time of your day. Seriously. Sacred space. Do a quick 5 mins (message me if you’d like to try the 5 min meditation challenge) to start the day. A short and positive message.
Do a stretch. I’m not meaning a full yoga routine (although Jess would love me to say that), just some stretching. Arms above the head. Full extended legs. Open your mouth and greet the morning like a lion’s yawn (oooh that makes me think of that Bon Jovi song lyric where he says “french kiss the morning.” It’s Bed of Roses in case you’re wondering - I had to look it up). Do it from your bed even, allow some movement. If you want to get up and do more…have at ‘er!
Drink water. Yup, keep a glass or a bottle of water right beside the bed. As you open your eyes (and if you can manage before that first thing pee) chug the water by the bed. (Or take it with you and drink while you pee.) The benefits of water first thing are well documented if you need more info on that just google it.
Wash your face. Skincare IS Selfcare. But if you’re not there yet, just splash some water or soak a wash cloth and wipe the night away. It’s good for your skin and helps you feel awake. If you are a skin care person…add this in. If you need help with that connect with us - Jess and I both love a good skincare routine.
Pen to paper. You may or may not be a journaling person…but even a couple minutes of pen to paper is so beneficial. Whether you take a moment to write some gratitude (crazy good for you - future blog coming on that) or write down your to do list of the day, just get those creative juices flowing!
Make your bed. There’s nothing more satisfying than coming to bed at night and your bed is waiting for you like a premade goddess of comfort! And it’s something accomplished before the day even starts…how awesome is that?!
Creative Coffee (++Alternative option depending on your time) Do something fun while you have your first cup of joe. Colour, play a video game, do a crossword, doodle. Add a little something that you normally don’t think you have time for. Have fun with it!
Read. (++Alternative option depending on your time) If you have space in the morning, it’s a great way to start the day with reading - even just a few pages. Or listen to an audio book if that’s more your jam - even while you shower or do the other morning routine things. Again with the stress of #2 & #3 - if this is on your phone and you will be tempted to check emails or social media surf - then add it later in your day.
Any of these resonate with you? By all means create the morning you want and love. Do one of these things or some. We just want to get into a place of sacred space.
xo Jody
